New Delhi: Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, initiated the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines during today’s stakeholders meeting for implementing the previously signed MoUs at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).
The ‘Sagar Aankalan’ Guidelines for National Benchmarking of Indian Ports Performance will apply to all Indian seaports with the goal of mapping and benchmarking logistics performance and efficiency, harmonizing standards with global benchmarks, and enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of the port sector with a focus on improvement, productivity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) successfully concluded the Stakeholders’ Meet – Implementation of MoUs at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023), deciding on courses of action for converting and making them actionable at the earliest. The Ministry also devised an action plan for swift implementation of MoUs signed during the GMIS. Participants engaged in productive discussions, sharing valuable insights and recommendations to overcome challenges and facilitate MoU implementation. The event was graced by the Union Minister of State for MoPSW and Tourism, Pad Y. Naik, and the Union Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur, senior officials of MoPSW, and other dignitaries. The GMIS Report and the M.Tech in Dredging Technology course at IIT, Chennai, were also launched today.
Sonowal, speaking on the occasion, said, “The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 is a continuation of the country’s strategic initiatives for sustainable growth.” “With a focus on sustainable development, technological advancements, and enhancing maritime infrastructure, the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 facilitated strategic dialogues among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. This collaboration aims to harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and maritime resources for the benefit of all,” added Sonowal. The Minister urged stakeholders to work together to turn these agreements into reality and propel the Indian maritime sector to new heights. He said, “Each one plays a crucial role in this journey towards making India ‘Viksit Bharat’ during Amrit Kaal.”
During the meeting, port representatives provided updates on the progress of the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed at GMIS 2023. They detailed milestones achieved and challenges encountered. Following their presentation, stakeholders shared perspectives on MoU implementation. This exchange allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the MOUs’ impact and potential areas for improvement. Overall, the collaborative discussion strengthened relationships between ports and stakeholders, fostering transparency and accountability in executing signed agreements. GMIS 2023 emerged as one of the largest maritime summits globally, attracting a record-breaking investment commitment of ₹10 lakh crore. Signing 360 MoUs, with an investment commitment of ₹8.35 lakh crore, and announcing additional investible projects worth ₹1.68 lakh crore, underscored India’s maritime sector’s immense potential.
The MoUs at GMIS 2023 covered various facets of the maritime sector, including port development, modernization, green hydrogen and ammonia, port-led development, the cruise sector, business and commerce, shipbuilding, and knowledge sharing. These initiatives are poised to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime leader. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways remain committed to translating the objectives outlined in the MoUs signed at GMIS 2023 into tangible outcomes. By fostering collaboration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and embracing sustainable practices, India is poised to unlock the full potential of its maritime sector, driving inclusive growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.